Rocker 5er hitch - it just feels wierd !

[damon]

As part of the deal in buying my new toyhauler, the dealer threw in a RBW UHS88-R 5er hitch, which is an older style 15k rocker. The only reason that I did not upgrade the hitch to something newer is that the rails were already in the truck.



When the new hitch came in it was not the rocker that I had ordered, but instead the fixed 15k model, which I used for almost 2 weeks and about 500 miles of towing. It felt the same as my older 12k hitch in every way. Yesterday I went and picked up the correct rocker head and towed the 5'er back to storage - only about 5 miles, and I have to say that towing felt VERY different.



On the good side, the sharp jolts of eneven roads were gone, but this also felt almost like the trailer was disconnected. And in the rear view, watching the trailer rock from side to side over road imperfections, I just kept feeling like the trailer would be more prone to tipping over. Like I said, it just felt wierd.



Anyone else have similar observations when going from a solid to a rocker hitch ? I am assuming (hoping) that I will get used to it, and hopefully enjoy the smoother ride, as long as my trailer doesn't tip over :{

 

[Fireman]

I think you'll get used to it.



Fireman

 

[pwr2tow]

I don't know what the part is called but it is two little levers that you can turn up or down, one way lets the pan rock side to side the other way it will not let it rock. Tow in the mode that it does not rock side to side and when you unhook or hook backup then turn the levers so it can rock. The reason for the levers is for stability on the road (non rocking side to side)and for unhooking and hooking up on unlevel ground (when levers are in the rocker position.



I know I couldn't explain it very well without knowing the terminology of the components but maybe you will understand by looking at your hitch.



Ron

 

[RustyJC]

The difference is that, with the rocker hitch, the 5ver isn't benefitting from the roll resistance of the truck. If you have the rear anti-roll bar that came with the camper package, that rear roll resistance of the truck worked through the solid (side-to-side) hitch to keep the 5ver from rolling.



I went through the same thing when we moved from our 1996 3500 that had a 14K Reese non-rocking hitch to our current 2002 3500 that has the B&W "rocking" 5th wheel hitch. You will get used to it, but just don't try any sports car maneuvers with the 5ver!



Rusty

 

[damon]

Awe, no more slalom runs with the trailer - maybe that wasn't a good idea anyway.



Ron, I don't think that my hitch has a lockout for the side to side rocking. And given that the range of movement is only about 5 degrees off center, maybe I am worrying about this for no reason. It just felt so awkward that I was looking for confirmation that I did not just trade in a better solid hitch for a lesser one with this rocking device.



Thanks for the responses !



Damon

 

[Forrest]

I doubt tip over is an issue. The sides of the bed will prevent.



You will enjoy the ease of connecting on uneven ground.